RENAISSANCE OF THE ~1 TeV FIXED-TARGET PROGRAM

Abstract

This document describes the physics potential of a new fixed-target program based on a ∼1 TeV proton source. Two proton sources are potentially available in the future: the existing Tevatron at Fermilab, which can provide 800 GeV protons for fixed-target physics, and a possible upgrade to the SPS at CERN, called SPS+, which would produce 1 TeV protons on target. In this paper we * Corresponding author use an example Tevatron fixed-target program to illustrate the high discovery potential possible in the charm and neutrino sectors. We highlight examples which are either unique to the program or difficult to accomplish at other venues.

Physics opportunities of a fixed-target experiment using LHC beams

“…Following the estimation done for LHB, we expect to collect possibly up to 10 10 B's per year. It has also been recently discussed that a fixed-target facility on the Tevatron would allow one to study D 0 −D 0 oscillations and to check for possible CP violation in this sector [175]. This would apply here as well.…”

“…This would apply here as well. The advantages compared to B factories and LHCb are discussed in [175].…”

“…For the sake of completeness, let us mention that, despite the requirement of significant extra civil engineering, the creation of hundred-GeV neutrino beam might be possible. This would offer opportunities for ν DIS at small x (see [175]) .…”

Atmospheric tau neutrinos in a multikiloton liquid argon detector

“…Of all observed Standard Model particles, we have the least direct experimental knowledge of the tau neutrino, ν τ /ν τ * . A high statistics, dedicated experiment sensitive to ν τ /ν τ Charged Current (CC) interactions has never been performed and would add significantly to our understanding of electroweak interactions and be sensitive to certain hard-to-get manifestations of new physics [1]. Indeed, any opportunity to collect a significant sample of CC ν τ /ν τ interactions and simply measure the cross-section and perform basic tests of Standard Model predictions would qualitatively improve our knowledge of the third neutrino weak eigenstate.…”

“…No ν τ interactions were observed as the accessible ∆m 2 range was outside of what we now know is allowed. Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC) detectors have been proposed for ν τ /ν τ event searches, but have yet to be specifically employed for this purpose [1]. Very recently, the ICARUS T-600 neutrino detector started operating in Gran Sasso.…”